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Top Tools & Guides

Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter

What Makes Chocolate Toxic to Dogs

Chocolate contains substances known as methylxanthines (specifically caffeine and theobromine), which dogs are far more sensitive to than people. Different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of methylxanthines. In general, though, the darker and more bitter the chocolate the greater the danger.

For instance, 8 ounces (a ½ pound) of milk chocolate may sicken a 50-pound dog, whereas a dog of the same size can be poisoned by as little as 1 ounce of Baker's chocolate!

Why Isn't Chocolate Toxic to Humans?

Humans can break down and excrete methylxanthines such as theobromine much more efficiently than dogs.

What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Chocolate?

If you know your dog has ingested chocolate , or has any of the symptoms1 below, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 or your veterinarian right away.

Remember, with any poisoning, it’s always cheaper, less invasive, and has a better prognosis/outcome if you treat early. Once your dog has already developed clinical signs and is affected by the poison, it makes for a much more expensive veterinary visit!

Common Household Items

Common Household Items

Serving

Theobrominea

Caffeinea

Ice Cream Rich Chocolate

1 cup ( 148g)

178mg

5.9mg

Peanut M&M's

1 cup (170g)

184mg

17mg

Ready to Eat Chocolate Pudding

4 oz (108g)

75.6mg

2.2mg

Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar

1.55 oz (43g)

64mg

9mg

Hershey's Chocolate Syrup

2 Tbsp (39g)

64mg

5mg

Hershey's KISSES (Milk Chocolate)

9 pieces (41g)

61mg

9mg

Hershey's Semi-Sweet Baking Bar

1 Tbsp (15g)

55mg

7mg

Cookies, brownies, commercially prepared

1 Square (2 –3/4” sq x 7/8") (56g)

43.7mg

1.1mg

KIT KAT Wafer Bar

1 bar (42g)

48.7mg

5.9mg

REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups (2pk)

2 cups (45g)

32.4mg

3.2mg

Doughnut, cake-type, chocolate, sugared or glazed

1 Doughnut (3' dia) (43g)

12.6mg

0.6mg

Chocolate Chip Cookies , made with margarine

1 Cookie Med (2 1/4" dia) (16g)

20.3mg

2.6mg

Milky Way

1 bar (58g)

37.1 mg

3.5mg

Generic Hot Fudge Sundae Topping

1 Sundae (158g)

77.4mg

1.6mg

REESE'S PIECES Candy

1 package (46g)

0mg

0mg

aThe amount of caffeine and theobromine will vary naturally due to growing conditions and cocoa bean sources and variety.